Menopause in the workplace: Menopause Matters

Menopause at Work

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Menopause in the workplace – let’s talk about it

Coping with menopausal symptoms at work can be tough and some women are, understandably, reluctant or even afraid to talk to their employer about it.

With around 3.5 million women aged between 15 and 65 years currently in employment in the UK, women now represent nearly a half of the UK labour force. That surely makes menopause mainstream and as important as any other occupational health issue.

Working through the menopause

Many women find they are little prepared for the onset of the menopause and are even less equipped to manage its symptoms at work. They tend not to disclose their symptoms to their manager
The majority of women feel they need further advice and support
Workplaces and working practices are not designed with menopausal women in mind
Heavy and painful periods, hot flushes, mood swings, fatigue and poor concentration can pose significant and embarrassing problems for some women, resulting in lowered confidence
Women are often uncomfortable disclosing their symptoms and problems to managers, particularly if they are young or male.
Where women have to take time off work to deal with their symptoms many do not disclose the real reasons for their absence
Some women say they have to work extremely hard to overcome their perceived shortcomings due to their menopause
Others consider working part-time, despite the concern about the impact on their career. Some even think about leaving employment altogether.

Source: UNISON’s Health and Safety guide to the menopause

Wouldn’t it be great to see employers providing...

Greater awareness among managers of the menopause as a real occupational health issue
Provision of a culture where women feel comfortable about discussing their symptoms and what impact that has on their working lives
Options around flexible working hours and working arrangements to help manage symptoms
Improved access to support –formal or informal
Options to improve your work environment temperature and ventilation

You might find it helpful to...

Find out more about menopause in general
Talk to your GP about treatment choices
Talk with a manager / HR department you feel comfortable with
Use technology where it can help you – setting up reminders on your phone or taking more notes
If you have supportive work colleagues talk about your experiences with them, you may find you’re not alone. Humour can help deflect embarrassment and increase your confidence
Look into mindfulness techniques you can practice at work and home
Consider lifestyle changes – could you exercise more? Stop smoking or set a revised weight goal?

This article is an extract from an article published in the Spring 2017 issue of Menopause Matters magazine.
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